The Chicago Sky simply beat the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx for his or her most noteworthy victory in a disappointing season. Repeating that feat can be much more spectacular.
Aiming for a season-high third consecutive victory Monday night time, the Sky will attempt to take down the Lynx at Chicago for the second time in three days.
Within the backside half of the league standings, Chicago (7-13) blew a 14-point lead throughout an 80-75 loss at Minnesota on July 6. The Sky adopted with a two-point loss at Washington on Tuesday, then received 87-76 over Dallas one night time later.
On Saturday, Chicago did not waste a 57-44 halftime lead, whereas capturing 46.1 p.c and proudly owning a 45-28 rebounding benefit general for just a little payback with its 87-81 victory over the Lynx (18-4).
“Both you come out and present up, or you do not,” mentioned Sky star Angel Reese, who had 19 factors with 11 rebounds Saturday, and joined Tina Charles as the one gamers with at the least 40 double-doubles in every of their first two seasons.
Reese, Chicago’s lone All-Star, has averaged 17.6 factors and 15.5 boards within the final eight video games.
Ariel Atkins (14.5 ppg) scored 27 and Kamila Cardoso added 17 factors with 15 rebounds Saturday for Chicago, which is 4-4 at dwelling.
“I believe a part of being a very good workforce is having the ability to replicate when now we have (video games like Saturday),” Chicago coach Tyler Marsh mentioned.
That will not be straightforward, contemplating Minnesota hasn’t misplaced back-to-back video games this season. Nonetheless, the Lynx have dropped two of three after profitable 5 in a row.
Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve expects her workforce to reply the bell on this rematch after being severely outplayed, particularly within the first half, Saturday. The Lynx made 10 3-pointers and confirmed struggle within the second half, however shot 39.5 p.c from the sector general.
“(Chicago) had a will to win,” Reeve mentioned.
“We will not not present up. Can not come out not able to compete. … Enjoying laborious will not be an adjustment.”
After scoring 21 towards the Sky final week, Lynx star and league scoring chief Napheesa Collier (23.6 ppg) dropped 26 on Saturday. She additionally recorded eight rebounds, 5 assists, three steals and three blocks.
–Area Stage Media